My Australia: The former child soldier learning Greek to care for Melbourne’s elderly

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Aged care worker Koryom Nyuonhe survived a childhood of violence and heartbreak to come to Australia. Now flourishing in his local community, he's hoping to inspire the next generation of migrants.

UpdatedUpdated 26/01/2019

By
Sarah Abo

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My Australia is a special series exploring cultural heritage and identity, and asking what it means to be Australian in 2019.

Every year or so, Koryom Nyuon - or ‘Tut’, as he’s affectionately known - tries to visit the land of his birth.

He still has family in South Sudan.

But, it’s not a straightforward journey.

“I go to Ethiopia first, and then spend one week walking by foot,” the 37-year-old tells SBS News.

“Because in South Sudan we have a war between Dinka and Nuer … the marks on my face [from a Nuer initiation tradition] they know I am Nuer, and then they kill me, they don’t care if I came from Australia.”

They know I am Nuer, and then they kill me, they don’t care if I came from Australia.

Koryom 'Tut' Nyuon is originally from Sudan.

Fronditha

Tut left Sudan when he was just a child, becoming one of countless refugees in neighbouring Ethiopia after fleeing a child soldier training camp.

An ethnic Nuer, he lived off the land with his family, their lives centred around the community church where his father was a priest.

“Now, I’m involved in the Greek community. I’m a like a Greek now. When I go to the shops, somewhere … they say hello to me.”

Now, I’m involved in the Greek community. I’m a like a Greek now.

Visiting families were so impressed with Tut’s care for their loved ones they recently nominated him for the home's outstanding contribution award; Fronditha’a highest accolade among its 400-strong staff.

He won, and it was recognition Tut was honoured to receive.

“I do my best, looking after the residents, because I feel in my heart, this is my family. I do whatever [I can] do in my power.”

Tut won Fronditha Care's outstanding contribution award.

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Fronditha residential manager Angela Cox said: “Tut is a gentle, lovely person, who seems to glow from within. He just has a manner that puts people at ease.”

“To know that he’s come from such hardship and that he’s worked through so much, and been a help to so many other people, I really admire him, and it makes me proud to know him and proud that we employ him here at Fronditha.”